@jalenbrunson1 Put on a Show in Game 5 with His 10th 30+ PT and 5+ AST Game of the Playoffs! 🔥

Jalen Brunson is no longer flying under the radar. The New York Knicks’ star guard has firmly planted himself in the national spotlight, and in Game 5, he reminded everyone—loud and clear—that he’s one of the most unguardable players in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. With his 10th game of 30+ points and 5+ assists this postseason, Brunson didn’t just lead the Knicks to a crucial win—he put on a masterclass in leadership, poise, and clutch performance.

In front of a sold-out Madison Square Garden crowd, Brunson delivered one of his most complete and compelling performances yet, finishing with 35 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds on 12-of-21 shooting. From the moment the ball was tipped, he was locked in—commanding the offense, picking apart the opposing defense, and delivering dagger after dagger whenever the game threatened to tighten.

What sets Brunson apart isn’t just his scoring. It’s how he scores, and when. He has a preternatural feel for the game, knowing when to attack, when to dish, and when to slow things down. Whether he’s pulling up for a step-back jumper, finessing a crafty finish through contact in the paint, or threading a needle to a cutting teammate, Brunson plays like a veteran quarterback reading a defense on every possession.

Game 5 was another example of that brilliance. With the Knicks needing a momentum swing after a hard-fought Game 4 loss, Brunson came out aggressive. He had 14 points in the first quarter alone, setting the tone with a blend of deep range shooting and interior craftiness. The defense threw double teams, zone schemes, and full-court pressure—but nothing seemed to rattle him. If anything, it seemed to motivate him.

This marks Brunson’s 10th game in these playoffs with at least 30 points and 5 assists, a milestone that places him in elite historical company. Only a select few players—names like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Allen Iverson—have had that level of consistent, high-volume output in a single playoff run. And Brunson is doing it with surgical efficiency.

“I just want to win,” Brunson said postgame, downplaying the individual stats. “If that means I have to score, I’ll do it. If that means I have to pass, defend, lead—whatever it takes. But these wins? That’s what we’re chasing.”

But make no mistake—his teammates notice. Julius Randle, who added 21 points and 10 rebounds in Game 5, praised Brunson’s ability to raise the level of play for everyone around him.

“He controls the game,” Randle said. “There’s never any panic when JB has the ball. He makes the right play every time, and he makes us all better. That’s leadership.”

RJ Barrett echoed the sentiment, noting how Brunson’s calm demeanor sets the tone in even the most high-pressure moments. “He’s fearless,” Barrett said. “It’s contagious. When he’s locked in, we’re all locked in.”

What’s perhaps most impressive about Brunson’s rise is how he continues to evolve. After being an efficient secondary scorer in Dallas, he has fully blossomed into a franchise cornerstone in New York. This postseason has showcased his ability not just to produce, but to carry. He’s not only taking on the toughest assignments—he’s excelling.

His footwork is textbook. His midrange game is clinical. His court vision is elite. And above all, his basketball IQ makes him a nightmare for defenses, who constantly have to pick their poison: guard him one-on-one and risk him dropping 40, or double-team him and watch him find the open man with precision.

In Game 5, Brunson’s assists were as impactful as his buckets. Time and again, he drew in defenders only to kick out to the likes of DiVincenzo and Quickley, who rewarded his trust with timely threes. That unselfishness fuels the Knicks’ offensive chemistry—and it’s a big reason why they now lead the series 3–2.

With each passing game, Brunson is building a legacy in New York. Knicks fans, long hungry for a homegrown star to believe in, have found their guy. And with each performance like this one, the Garden roars louder, the city dreams bigger, and the championship window feels more real.

There’s still work to do. The Knicks head into Game 6 with a chance to close the series on the road. But if Brunson keeps up this level of play, anything is possible. He’s been the constant in the chaos—the pulse of the team, the go-to when everything’s on the line.

And as long as Jalen Brunson is running the show, the Knicks are not just playing basketball—they’re chasing greatness.